Draft Preview 2023 – Running Backs

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March 22, 2023

by David Earl

The Elite of the Group

In this draft, the one running back everyone has as the consensus top player and a first-round pick is Bijan Robinson. He is the most complete back here and is certainly a player you build an offense around, but will Washington pull that trigger? Selecting Robinson in the first round would not be frowned upon by most.  However, with the offensive line’s current state and the cornerbacks most likely being available at 16, the likelihood of a Robinson pick is low considering who they have and the second tier of running backs available. But if Ron does pull the trigger on Bijan Robinson, he brings exactly what Eric Bieniemy would need in the passing game, especially in the screen game.

Player Height Weight 40 Yard Dash Broad Jump 10 Yard Split Next Gen Stat Score
Bijan Robinson, Texas 5’11” 215 4.46 10’4″ 1.52 96
Prospect Grade 6.84: Year 1 starter The top-graded running back in this draft is a true 3-down player. Maintains a low center of gravity and has an extremely quick first step. Like most rookie running backs his pass protection needs work and can be a bit of a dancer not always hitting the hole with decisiveness.

Tier Two

Jamyr Gibbs jumps out here and is a runner who mirrors much of what Deebo Samuel does for the 49ers. He is not nearly what Bijan Robinson is on first contact but his elusiveness and speed make up for his lack of power. Gibbs is another player that may fall off Washington’s radar not because of talent but where he falls as a projected late first or early second-round pick. Most teams will place the best player available status above needs, but with the lack of depth in this draft on the offensive line, drafting Gibbs that early is just not necessary considering who Washington already has on the roster. The name here to watch is Deneric Prince out of Tulsa. He has the combination of size, speed, and power teams look for plus is an exceptional receiver out of the backfield. He has not yet fully developed his game to the fullest. Drafting players like this can be dangerous as drafting on potential and sheer talent alone without the consistent game tape doesn’t work out very often. If Ron Rivera can see a kid dedicated to the game who has the willingness to hone his skillset, there is no doubt Eric Bieniemy will pound the table for this kid as a late-round pick. Think of a larger framed Isiah Pacheco for the Chiefs and there is your potential.

Player Height Weight 40 Yard Dash Broad Jump 10 Yard Split Next Gen Stat Score
Tyjae Spears, Tulane 5’10” 201 4.47 10’5″ NA 87
Prospect Grade 6.22: Eventually be an average starter He’s a bit of an inconsistent pass receiver but his field vision and ability to utilize his blockers patiently is almost that of a veteran. After suffering a serious knee injury in 2020, Spears displayed his burst and agility last season averaging 6.9 yards per carry and running for nearly 1,600 yards.
Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama 5’9″ 199 4.36 NA 1.52 84
Prospect Grade 6.37: Eventually be a plus starter One of the fastest players in this draft, Gibbs displays some of the best hands in this class. His 1st step quickness and the ability to accelerate to top-end speed quickly give any NFL offense a home run threat in the passing game. His smallish frame and lack of true contact power somewhat limit his use as a feature back.
Deneric Prince, Tulsa 6’0″ 216 4.41 10’4″ 1.53 70
Prospect Grade 5.68: Bottom of the roster or practice squad A speedy and elusive runner who doesn’t utilize his fullest potential. Has the size and power to be a finisher but chooses to bounce the play outside unnecessarily. His speed makes him a potential home run threat but lacks decisiveness in his runs. Also, a very good pass catcher who needs work in his pass protection.

The Primary Grinders: North-South Runners

The name that stands out here is Zach Charbonnet of UCLA, who is in the mold of Brian Robinson. He is a strong inside runner who is not a liability in the passing game but does need work in pass protection. He and Tank Bigsby of Auburn are powerful short-yardage runners that you can never have enough of especially in goal line sets.

Player Height Weight 40 Yard Dash Broad Jump 10 Yard Split Next Gen Stat Score
Zach Charbonnet, UCLA 6’0″ 214 4.53 10’2″ 1.54 83
Prospect Grade 6.23: Eventually be an average starter Zach has a bit of Derrick Henry in him minus the natural instincts Henry possesses. He’s an unright runner who utilizes his power very well and is solid in pass protection but lacks consistency in pass catching.
Kendre Miller, TCU 5’11” 215 4.58 NA NA 80
Prospect Grade 5.97: Average backup or special teamer Carries good size and powers through the use of his lower body very well. Translates more into a 2 down runner capable of getting the tough yards. Can be a hesitant runner and can learn to trust his blocks more.
DeWayne McBride, UAB 5’10” 209 4.52 NA NA 78
Prospect Grade 6.19: Good backup who may develop into a starter Similar grinder to Kendre Miller but more patient as a runner. Utilizes his power getting a low pad level but issues with ball security and poor pass protection will limit his production.
Sean Tucker, Syracuse 5’9″ 207 4.54 NA NA 78
Prospect Grade 6.10: Good backup with the potential to develop into a starter A strong impactful runner with an instinctive feel for the holes developing. Lacks the quickness to be a dynamic runner especially outside but is not easily downed with the first contact. Coordination is inconsistent and does not do well in pass protection
Tank Bigsby, Auburn 6’0″ 210 4.56 9’11” 1.54 74
Prospect Grade 6.15: Good backup with the potential to develop into a starter Solely a 2 down running back who lacks soft hands in the passing game. Makes strong decisive runs between the tackles and is certainly a finisher. His best asset may come in short yardage and jumbo packages at the goal line.
Evan Hull, Northwestern 5’10” 209 4.47 10’3″ 1.53 73
Prospect Grade 5.80: Average backup and special teamer Not a great tight space runner whose lateral movement is very stiff but is a balanced north-south runner. Utilizes his lower body frame well to drive through fist contact and is solid as a pass catcher.

Primary 3rd Down Specialists

With the loss of J.D. McKissic, look to Washington to zero in on a guy like Devon Achane of Texas A&M or Kenny McIntosh of Georgia in the mid-rounds of this draft. Devon does lack the size you desire but his compact frame and elusiveness in space remind me a lot of Boston Scott in Philadelphia. As he can be a bit complacent on catching the ball at times, when he has the ball in space he is a chain mover with homerun threat ability. McIntosh is just a larger frame version of Achane who is a more natural pass catcher but just not as elusive. There are good options in the mid-round of this draft using too early of a pick is just not a necessity for this team with the other positions they must fill to continue building this roster.

Player Height Weight 40 Yard Dash Broad Jump 10 Yard Split Next Gen Stat Score
Devon Achane, Texas A&M 5’8″ 188 4.32 NA 1.51 78
Prospect Grade 6.236: Eventually be an average starter Shifty and an elusive running back who presents a problem for defenders in the passing game. Good instincts as a runner with a very good eye and foot coordination. Can drop the catchable passes plus his size is not tailor-made as a feature running back.
Zach Evans, Mississippi 5’11” 202 4.42 NA NA 78
Prospect Grade 6.25: Eventually be an average starter An explosive runner who processes everything in from of himself quickly as a runner post-snap but struggles reading defensive alignments pre-snap. Has the required top-end speed and drives defenders back on a consistent basis. Has ball security issues that teams may find alarming.
Eric Gray, Oklahoma 5’9″ 207 4.44 9’10” NA 77
Prospect Grade 6.22: Average starter A decisive runner with a quick burst to react as the play develops. Gray is effective in tight spaces and a good reliable receiver in the passing game. Doesn’t break away from first contact too well and struggles against the blitz.
Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh 5’10” 216 4.5 NA NA 77
Prospect Grade 6.24: Eventually be an average starter Fits a zone scheme perfectly as a one-cut hit-hole runner and get quickly hit top-end speed. Does not finish his runs strong but is elusive enough to typically avoid that first contact.
Chase Brown, Illinois 5’9″ 209 4.43 10’7″ 1.53 76
Prospect Grade 6.12: Good backup with the potential to develop into a starter A patient runner with a good first-cut move. Very fluid in the passing game and is proven to be a workhorse running back. Can make his cuts too early and lacks first-contact power.
Kenny McIntosh, Georgia 6’0″ 204 4.62 NA 1.54 74
Prospect Grade 6.12: Good backup with the potential to develop into a starter Kenny is a true 3rd down running back who has good burst and speed in the open field. Has a good feel for the passing game and is a natural pass catcher. Is not very decisive as a runner between the tackles and is not a great elusive running back.